Festive PhotoPass Fun

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

The holiday atmosphere here at Walt Disney World Resort is so warm and cozy (and not just because of the weather!), and Disney PhotoPass photographers love making guests’ photos even merrier with some holly-jolly props, Magic Shots, and more! Below, check out some of our favorite photo ops available this holiday season from Disney PhotoPass Service around Walt Disney World Resort, and note where photographers will be capturing each of them. 

After dark in front of the Christmas trees at EPCOT, Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs

On the bridge leading from Oasis to Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, on Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, at all World Celebration locations at EPCOT, at theDisney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs, and at the following locations at Magic Kingdom Park: entrance, the Disney PhotoPass Studio inside Sir Mickey’s, and on Main Street, U.S.A.

At most locations at all four theme parks, the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs, and select resorts

In front of the Christmas tree at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, on Sunset Boulevard and Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, near the main entrance to World Showcase at EPCOT, and at the entrance and in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park

In front of the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, at select Hollywood Boulevard locations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs, and starting November 25 when guests can meet Santa Claus at EPCOT

At all three Disney PhotoPass Studios, which are located at Disney Springs, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Magic Kingdom Park

In the Norway pavilion at EPCOT (starting November 25) and at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs

At all World Showcase locations at EPCOT starting November 25, and at Echo Lake and select Hollywood Boulevard locations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

If guests want to deck their halls with all these photos, have them consider purchasing Memory Maker. With Memory Maker, guests can download all the Disney PhotoPass photos and videos from their vacation, including those taken onboard attractions – all for one price.* 

*Disney PhotoPass Service and Memory Maker are subject to the applicable terms and policies. Includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken (i) within one day for Memory Maker One Day or (ii) within 30 days from the date of first activation for standard Memory Maker). If Memory Maker is purchased at the advance purchase price, any photos taken within 3 days of the date Memory Maker is purchased are not included and must be purchased separately. A MagicBand, or an eligible mobile device with Bluetooth technology enabled for the My Disney Experience app, is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations.

Sneak Peek at EPCOT’s 2022 Holiday Kitchens

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks

EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays is right around the corner, and we have some exciting news to share! The Holiday Kitchens for 2022 have been announced! EPCOT festivals are famous for their food booths, and while this one has more to do than just food, the food certainly is a standout! The exact menus haven’t been announced yet, but the sneak peek gives us much to be excited about! Many fan favorites are returning this year, and we hope they’ll bring the dishes we’ve all come to know and love with them. New this year is a kitchen that will be entirely plant-based! Curious as to what to expect? Take a look below: 

  • American Holiday Table – American Adventure Pavilion.                          Enjoy a seasonal salute—dig into traditional dishes reminiscent of grandma’s cooking at the American Adventure Pavilion.
  • Bavaria Holiday Kitchen – Germany Pavilion.                                 Willkommen—help yourself to heartwarming holiday dishes and refreshing beverages at the Germany Pavilion.
  • Chestnuts & Good Cheer Holiday Kitchen – Near Test Track Presented by Chevrolet.                                                Join in on the festivities when you visit this new location offering cinnamon-glazed nuts and holiday beverages.
  • The Donut Box – Near Test Track Presented by Chevrolet.                   Enjoy a classic dessert dressed up in a little holiday cheer when you try one of our seasonally-themed donuts!
  • Holiday Hearth Desserts – The Odyssey Pavilion.                                      Discover the hearth you’ll call home, with holly jolly desserts, hot cocoa and so much more.
  • Holiday Sweets & Treats – Near Port of Entry.                                                      Rock around the Christmas tree with tasty desserts and festive sips sure to top the “nice” list.
  • L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen – Between Morocco and France Pavilions.    Propose a toast to life—sink your teeth into classic deli noshes with a side of New York flair.
  • Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen – Mexico Pavilion.                                        Feliz Navidad—celebrate with mariachi dancing and south-of-the-border fare at the Mexico Pavilion!
  • Le Marché de Noël Holiday Kitchen – France Pavilion.                                  Feast on très magnifique fare, wine and specialty cocktails from the France Pavilion.
  • Mele Kalikimaka – Near Port of Entry.                                                   Savor the flavor of fabulous, festive food and beverages from the islands of Hawai‘i.
  • Nochebuena Cocina – Near Port of Entry – NEW!                                   Delight in a delicious plant-based offering while celebrating the happiest season of the year!
  • Shanghai Holiday Kitchen – China Pavilion.                                               Have yourself a merry little meal—tempt taste buds with popular plates and potables from the China Pavilion! 
  • Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen – Japan Pavilion.                                             Please your palate with an array of festive dishes and drinks served at the Japan Pavilion.
  • Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina – Morocco Pavilion                    Travel to the Morocco Pavilion for delicious kebabs and cocktails.
  • Tuscany Holiday Kitchen – Italy Pavilion.                                       Mangiare—savor a seasonal take on some of the world’s best-loved food and beverages at the Italy Pavilion!
  • Yukon Holiday Kitchen – Canada Pavilion.                                              Jingle your bells with delightful dishes and libations from the Great White North—at the Canada Pavilion.
Epcot holiday kitchens

The delicious food at this festival always brings to mind the holidays, and this year promises to be no different. From classic holiday fare to more adventurous bites, you won’t want to miss EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays!

Disney Cruise Line Announces Fall 2023 Itineraries – Including Holiday Themed Cruises

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Disney Cruise Line will offer enchanting fall vacations that take families coast-to-coast in 2023, including special sailings with spook-tacular surprises, holiday cheer and the fleet’s first-ever departures from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. With cruises from Florida, California and New York, adults and children alike will discover the wonder of the holidays aboard Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises.

Holiday Fun on Disney Cruise Line

“We are excited to provide families with experiences that create lasting memories,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Cruise Line. “With offerings for the entire family, specially curated activities for both Halloween and the holidays and a brand-new home port in South Florida, our guests will have more ways than ever to experience the magic of Disney at sea.”

Halloween on the High Seas cruises will return from mid-September through October 2023. Aboard these not- so-spooky sailings, guests will eat, drink and be scary with their favorite characters dressed in Halloween costumes, celebrate the season at Mickey’s Mouse-querade party, enjoy trick-or-treating at sea and more.

From early November through December, Disney Cruise Line ships will be extra merry and bright during Very Merrytime Cruises that celebrate the spirit of the holiday season. On these sailings, Disney magic will take on a whole new meaning with characters dressed in festive garb from head to (mistle)toe, a special tree-lighting ceremony, holiday décor, and special guests – Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Bookings open to the public on July 28, 2022. More details can be found on disneycruise.com.

New Adventures Aboard the Disney Dream

The Disney Dream has new destinations on the horizon for the fall of 2023.

Following its inaugural season in Europe, the Disney Dream will set sail from New York City for the first time. Families will enjoy four-, five- and six-night sailings from the Big Apple to Bermuda, where they will explore the island’s renowned pink-sand beaches, world-class shopping, aquatic adventures and distinctive blend of British and Caribbean culture. Plus, a special four-night voyage on the Disney Dream will transport guests to the charming Canadian seaport city of Saint John.

Starting Nov. 20, 2023, Disney Cruise Line will find a new South Florida home in Port Everglades, offering four- and five-night cruises aboard the Disney Dream to tropical locales in the western Caribbean and Bahamas. Families will enjoy stops in places like Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Nassau from Disney Cruise Line’s second year-round home port, along with visits to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island oasis.

Mexican Riviera Adventures from California

Beginning in mid-October 2023, the Disney Magic will find its home on the West Coast, setting sail from San Diego for voyages ranging from two to seven nights to Baja and the Mexican Riviera. Guests will experience the sparkling waters and beautiful landscapes of Santa Catalina Island, Calif., Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. An exclusive seven-night Mexican Riviera sailing will feature the breathtaking ports of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, which are perfect for recreational water activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving.

Tropical Vacations from Port Canaveral, Florida

In the fall of 2023, the Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy will continue sailing from Port Canaveral to tropical destinations in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

The Disney Wish will sail three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas, including visits to Nassau and Castaway Cay.

The Disney Fantasy will offer families even more time to experience Disney Cruise Line’s world-class dining, Broadway-style shows and spaces designed for the entire family during seven-night cruises to stunning destinations in the eastern and western Caribbean.

Disney Shuts Down Park For One Day During Holiday Rush as Temperatures Drop

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

If you are planning on being at Walt Disney World Resort during the Christmas season, there are a few things you should be keeping your eye on to ensure that your schedule does not have any surprise closures that arise!

This week and the following will undoubtedly be some of the busiest that Disney World has seen this past year. The Christmas season is always a busy time for the Parks, and now that school is out for many, vacationing to the Most Magical Place on Earth seems like the most logical thing to do! Although Disney Park Pass Reservations are still required, and Disney still has a capacity limit in place, lines are being seen to extend past their provided queue line, and crowds are here.

With that being said, this time of year can also have very varying weather temperatures that do not affect the theme parks but the water parks. Disney’s Blizzard Beach is currently open to Guests at Walt Disney World, but when the temperature dips too low, Disney may decide to shut down the Park so that they are not operating what would likely be an empty Park. This past December has been quite warm in Orlando, but we have seen Disney shut down the Park a few times. Now, Disney’s website notes that on December 22, 2021, Blizzard Beach will be closed.

blizzard beach overview shot

The website does not denote why the Park will be shut down, but after looking at the 66-degree weather forecast for this upcoming Wednesday, it is easy to understand why. Of course, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will remain open this week; however, Disney Park Passes are selling fast, so be sure to make your reservation and check on the Park availability before making plans. 

If you are looking for other water park or sport options to do on Disney World property, you can look into the following:

Enjoy a theme park a day plus more chances to play—with admission to water parks, golf courses and other sensational sports experiences!

For each day of your theme park tickets, adding the Water Park and Sports Option lets you visit one theme park and gives you one admission to select Walt Disney World experiences including:

  • Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – Currently Unavailable
  • ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – Currently Unavailable
  • Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
  • FootGolf at Disney’s Oak Trail
  • Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course (one round prior to 4:00 PM)
  • Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course (one round prior to 4:00 PM)

Come share the magic of our theme parks, make a splash in our water parks and get your game on—as you score the perfect family vacation!

blizzard beach

At the moment, it seems that the rest of the week is wide open for Blizzard Beach Guests to enjoy Summit Plummet, Runoff Rapids, Toboggan Racers, Tike’s Peak, Mount Gushmore, and more. At the moment, Walt Disney World has not yet reopened Typhoon Lagoon water park.

Celebrate the Holidays with Stunning Gingerbread Displays at Disney World Resorts

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

One of our favorite holiday traditions is to visit the Gingerbread Displays at Walt Disney World resorts! This year’s displays include some 50th-anniversary touches.

The most wonderful time of the year wouldn’t be complete without something sweet, and the incredibly talented pastry teams at Walt Disney World Resort have added some extra sugar and spice and a little 50th Anniversary celebration magic to the festivities with this year’s gingerbread displays!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa gingerbread house (open now – Jan. 1)

The pastry team at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa pulled out all the stops this year. From the gingerbread shingles and custom hand-painted character windows to elaborate EARidescent landscapes and handcrafted sugar flowers, the team put thought and care into the tiniest, holly jolly details.

“We know the gingerbread displays mean so much to our guests,” Pastry Chef Assistant John Dettman said. “This year, our team wanted our guests to be immersed in the 50th Anniversary celebration. We incorporated EARidescent hues into our hand painted character windows and Pastry Chef Assistant Fabiola Vidal Vazquez even applied cocoa butter EARidescent airbrush to our landscape plants and flowers.”

Disney’s Beach Club Resort gingerbread carousel (open now – Jan. 2)

Guests are in for a treat at Disney’s Beach Club Resort! The gingerbread carousel’s theme changes each year and this year, the pasty team took inspiration from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” and cast members created five detailed horses depicting some of their favorite animated characters.

From concept and design to confectionary creation and assembly, our pastry cast members brought creative storytelling to life.

“The gingerbread display is a team effort,” Jesse Rodriguez, a Pastry Chef Assistant, said. “We all pitch ideas and add our own elements and talents to create something special for our guests. We have so much fun and see first-hand how much the guests enjoy what we’ve created.”

The carousel also includes a special nod to the 50th Anniversary celebration, featuring handmade EARidescent snowflakes that line the carousel topper and shimmering mini ornaments.

The American Adventure gingerbread display at EPCOT (open now – Dec. 30)

The American Adventure at EPCOT features not one, but three gingerbread constructions: the Lincoln Memorial, The American Adventure, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Look for a Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration plaque as part of these displays.

“Our gingerbread displays are very detailed, and we are as accurate as we can be to the original structures they are based on,” Pastry Chef Assistant Agueda Vasquez said. “It’s just so great to see the guests’ faces when they walk into the room and admire the amount of time and detail we put into these tiny structures.”

Looking for more holiday fun? Check out the lobby at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to see the new gingerbread baby giraffe.

Where else but Disney do you get to create such incredible culinary magic for so many to enjoy? If this sounds like your jam, Disney is always looking for great culinary talent to join the team.

Congratulations and thank you to the culinary teams across Walt Disney World Resort that played a role in creating delicious holiday magic this year.